Gregerson’s 26 straight a club record

By striking out Florida’s Dan Uggla and John Baker to open the seventh, Gregerson extended his string of consecutive hitters retired to 26 dating back to April 14.

The 26 straight hitters retired is a record for Padres relievers, topping the streak of 24 straight established by Craig Lefferts from April 19-29, 1984.

Twelve of the 25-year-old right-hander’s 26 straight victims were via the strikeout. Gregerson’s run also topped the longest run in the major leagues since the start of last season. Colorado’s Huston Street retired 25 straight.

Gregerson’s streak ended when Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez dropped a single just inside the right-field foul line. Gregerson then struck out Brett Carroll.

In terms of meaningful achievements, however, the retired hitter streak might place second to the time Gregerson spent April 17 with a young homeless man from Los Angeles.

Rashaun Clark has been a member of the youth assistance program run by Gregerson’s foster cousin in Chicago. Gregerson invited Clark into the Padres clubhouse, introduced him to teammates and then talked with Clark on the field after the game.

“You never know what can make a difference to someone in need,” said Gregerson, who met with Clark at the request of Antwan Turpeau of Chicago’s SYESA Foundation.

Turpeau, who was adopted and raised by Gregerson’s aunt and uncle, started the organization 18 months ago as a hands-on program linking troubled youth with successful adults.

“Antwan’s a brilliant, caring and dedicated person,” said Gregerson. “We’re very close. I love what he’s doing.

“I was one of the first financial contributors. But I got more involved this past offseason and want to do more moving forward.”

So when Turpeau called Gregerson and told him that Clark would be celebrating his 22nd birthday living on a bus stop in the Los Angeles area, Gregerson got him to San Diego and wished him a happy birthday on the message board at Petco Park.

“Rashaun was in the child welfare program in Chicago,” said Turpeau. “He decided to move to Los Angeles several years ago hoping to reunite with his father. It’s gone downhill from there.

“When Clark and I hooked up again, I asked Luke if he might make contact. Rashaun couldn’t believe we stuck in there with him. I think his visit with Luke was very important to him. I think we can turn this thing around.”

“Anything I can do to help Antwan, I’m there,” said Gregerson. “What he’s doing through SYESA is great stuff. He got the kids to a Blackhawks game this season. He’s very successful and he loves these kids. You should see them around him.

“They respect him. He gives them hope and a leader.”

Since giving up three runs in his season debut in Arizona, Gregerson has allowed one unearned run on one hit and one walk over 10 innings. Opposing hitters are batting .128 (5-for-39) against Gregerson.